Chakwal ready to host first-ever jeep rally

Punjab tourism minister says the rally will help boost economy in the district

RAWALPINDI: Preparations for the first-ever Chakwal Jeep Rally have been completed with a large number of jeep and desert racers invited to participate in the event.

This was disclosed in a meeting held to finalise arrangements for the Chakwal Dessert Jeep Rally on Friday by Punjab Higher Education and Tourism Minister Raja Yasir Humayun.

Further, he said that they were working on developing eight tourism destinations in this part of Punjab, including Kotli Sattiyan, Chakwal, Jhelum, Koh-e-Sulaiman and Bahawalpur.

“Every year, the Cholistan Jeep Rally is held in South Punjab in which international racers take part,” Humayun said, adding that they aim to develop the Chakwal jeep rally up to the same level over time.

He added that the rally will help spur the local economy by creating jobs and new opportunities for trade and business in the area apart from providing locals with an excellent source of entertainment.

Extolling the natural beauty of the district which can prove to be a draw for tourism, the tourism said that Chakwal boasts 26 beautiful lakes and holds the moniker of the ‘lake district’.

Humayun, who was elected to the Punjab assembly from Chakwal, added that there are cumulatively some 110 historical sites in the district that can prove to be a tourist draw.

To develop them, he said that they were currently in the process of surveying and identifying them. Further, he said that they were looking at all available means to boost tourism in the district including improving security, provision of basic facilities and ensuring the safety of visitors.

Moreover, they were taking steps to effectively educate visitors about swimming, safety protocols and laws on fish hunting.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 6^th, 2019.